“If we can implement all of these expansions and all of the improvement programs that we have underway, next year … we're targeting to be the lowest-cost supplier into the Asia-Pacific market, and we're on track to be able to do that,” said Simon Wensley, CEO and managing director of Metro Mining.
Australian bauxite producer Metro Mining (ASX:MMI,OTC Pink:MMILF) is positioning for significant growth as global demand for aluminum continues to surge. CEO Simon Wensley noted that the company has aggressively scaled production, growing from 2 million tonnes annually in 2021 to a consistent rate of roughly 7 million tonnes this year.
He said this expansion is key because the company's “fixed costs are probably upwards of 80 percent of (its) total costs,” and spreading those costs over higher volumes is lowering per-tonne production costs.
“That expansion has allowed us to offset those fixed costs against a larger production base. And so what you see then is our cost of production going down,” Wensley said.
“If we can implement all of these expansions and all of the improvement programs that we have underway, next year … we're targeting to be the lowest-cost supplier into the Asia-Pacific market, and we're on track to be able to do that.”
Bauxite is essential for producing aluminum, a metal seeing rapid demand increases from transportation, renewable energy and grid infrastructure. With aluminum usage expected to grow more than 120 percent under the World Bank’s scenario, Metro sees long-term strength in the market.
Watch the full interview with Wensley above.
With an eye for detail and over a decade of experience covering the mining and metals sector, Charlotte is passionate about bringing investors accurate and insightful information that can help them make informed decisions.
She leads the Investing News Network's video and event coverage, and guides a team of writers reporting on niche investment markets.
Private investor Don Hansen returns to share his latest thoughts on gold, outlining five factors that illustrate how powerful the current bull market is.
"I think it's pretty obvious that in 2025 we're in a secular bull market in gold, and it's only (just) started," he said. In his view, it's in the second inning of what may be a 15 inning game.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
With an eye for detail and over a decade of experience covering the mining and metals sector, Charlotte is passionate about bringing investors accurate and insightful information that can help them make informed decisions.
She leads the Investing News Network's video and event coverage, and guides a team of writers reporting on niche investment markets.
Steve Barton, host of In It To Win It, shares how he picks mining stocks, running through his initial screening process for companies, as well as the questions he asks CEOs.
He also explains how he decides when to buy and when to sell.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
With an eye for detail and over a decade of experience covering the mining and metals sector, Charlotte is passionate about bringing investors accurate and insightful information that can help them make informed decisions.
She leads the Investing News Network's video and event coverage, and guides a team of writers reporting on niche investment markets.
Byron King, editor at Paradigm Press, shares his thoughts on gold and silver, saying their drivers are intact despite the recent price pullback.
He also discusses the growing importance of "military metals" like rare earths and antimony.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
With an eye for detail and over a decade of experience covering the mining and metals sector, Charlotte is passionate about bringing investors accurate and insightful information that can help them make informed decisions.
She leads the Investing News Network's video and event coverage, and guides a team of writers reporting on niche investment markets.
Chris Temple, founder, editor and publisher of the National Investor, shares his thoughts on gold, noting that the narrative for the yellow metal has changed for the better.
He also discusses the US government's recent focus on fast tracking and funding mining projects.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
With an eye for detail and over a decade of experience covering the mining and metals sector, Charlotte is passionate about bringing investors accurate and insightful information that can help them make informed decisions.
She leads the Investing News Network's video and event coverage, and guides a team of writers reporting on niche investment markets.
Nick Hodge, publisher at Digest Publishing, is most bullish on copper and uranium in 2026, but also believes gold and silver prices have further to go despite recent gains.
"We are in the middle of a precious metals bull market," he said. "Silver hasn't had its day yet, so I think that's a pretty good indicator that we've still got some time to go."
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
